Introducing the GEM28EC, iOptron's latest addition to its line of German equatorial mounts, compact yet packed with features!

Taking a cue from its predecessors, the GEM28EC is all about portability. With a weight of just 10 lbs, this baby can hold a payload of up to 28 lbs—that's a whopping 2.8-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio! Credit for this impressive spec goes to our innovative design approaches, originally honed in our CEM mount range. The German EQ style of the GEM28EC is aimed at folks who like a traditional mount and those living at higher latitudes.

But hey, we didn't just stop at portability. We've tossed in a bunch of extra goodies for ease of use and functionality. Gloved hands? No problem. The mount comes with a quick and easy positive-lock gear system. It also has a high-res optical encoder offering real-time Periodic Error Correction (PEC) for crazy-accurate tracking with a PE less than 0.3 arcsec RMS. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi is a game-changer for connectivity. Long story short, the GEM28EC is your new go-to for German equatorial mounts.

Tech-wise, this mount is a beast. It comes with the latest GOTONOVA® GOTO tech, featuring a vast 212,000 object library. So yeah, you'll never run out of celestial wonders to check out or snap pics of. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller makes it all super user-friendly with its 4-line LCD display.

The integrated iPolar electronic polar finder is the cherry on top, ensuring precise alignment, even when you can't see the pole star. You'll also get a 1.5" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod and a sleek aluminum carrying case.

What's in the Box?

Box #1: GEM28EC Head with iPolar, Case, and Tray (G284A)
Box #2: 1.5" Tripod without Tray (C26/G28 1.5T)

Key Features

German equatorial design for 10° to 70° latitude range
Perfect for both visual stargazing and astrophotography
PE < 0.3 arcsec RMS
Supports 28 lbs payload with only a 10 lbs mount weight
CNC machined and cast metal build
Spring-loaded gear system
Quick-lock gear clutches for ease of use
Energy-efficient stepper motor
Integrated iPolar™ electronic polar scope
Polar alignment feature for those with an obstructed view of the pole star
Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO technology via the Go2Nova® 8409 controller
ST-4 autoguiding port
Onboard Wi-Fi
USB port for updates and computer control
1.5" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (weighs 5kg)
Tripod spreader made of die-cast metal with an accessory tray
Sturdy carrying case
Optional GPS with 32 channels
Optional iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360)

Specifications

Mount	German Equatorial Mount
Payload *	28 lbs (12.7kg), exclude counterweight
Mount weight	10 lbs (4.5kg)
Payload/Mount weight	2.80
Structure Material	All metal, Casting + CNC machined
Exterior Finish	Powder coating
Periodic error (PE) **	< 0.3 arcsec rms
PEC	Real-time PEC
Worm period	600 sec
Right Ascension worm wheel	Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Declination worm wheel	Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Right Ascension axis shaft	Φ35mm steel
Declination axis shaft	Φ35mm steel
Right Ascension bearing	Φ55mm ball bearing
Declination bearing	Φ55mm ball bearing
Worm gears	Φ15.2mm, Brass
Motor drive	1.8º stepper motor, 128X microdivision
Resolution	0.17 arc seconds
Transmission	Synchronous belt
Latitude adjustment range	10º ~ 70º
Azimuth adjustment range	± 6º
Polar Scope	iPolar ^TM electronic polar scope
Level indicator	Level bubble
Hand Controller	Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database
Tracking	Automatic
Slew speed	1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(6º/sec)
Power consumption	0.6A(Tracking), 0.9A(GOTO)
Power requiremention	12V DC, 5A
AC adapter	100V ~ 240V (included)
Power-down memory	Yes
Wi-Fi	Built-in
Communication port	Yes (Wi-Fi and USB)
Autoguide port	Yes (ST-4 compatible)
Firmware upgrade	Yes
PC computer control	Yes (ASCOM)
Counterweight shaft	Φ20X200mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Shaft extension	Φ20X120mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Counterweight	10 lbs (4.5kg)
Tripod	1.5" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (5kg)
Dovetail saddle	3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable
Carrying case	Included
GPS	Optional external 32-channel GPS
Autoguiding	Optional external iGuider 1
Operation temperature	-10ºC ~ 40ºC
Warranty	Two year limited

* OTA size and length dependent, smaller than 6" in diameter recommended
** Measured with encoder on bench, 10 minutes

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iOptron GEM28EC

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